The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Albert L. Smithson (ASN: 0-403367), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 18 – 19 March 1945, in the vicinity of Ensheim, Germany. Lieutenant Smithson led his company in the initial assault on the Siegfried Line. Their advance was met by determined resistance from the fixed defenses and by an exceptionally heavy artillery barrage. Although he lost most of his subordinate leaders and had his communications destroyed, Lieutenant Smithson maintained his control over his company and supporting Tank Destroyers by extraordinary personal exertion in the full face of intense enemy fire. His selfless gallantry under fire and outstanding professional skill were an inspiration to all who saw him and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.